Enlarger Wanted

[bwieder]

OP, Make note of this, it is important.

Got it! thanks !
I am excited to see what happens on this adventure! And thanks to all who have given me there time and valuable input on this matter! Much appreciated!

 

[Rolleiflexible]

A really good 35mm enlarger is a great choice. A 35mm only enlarger that is designed for the beginning darkroom worker and designed to a low price point - not so much.
The advantages of the Beseler 23C line are its good quality, its robust nature, its flexibility, and the excellent availability of used enlargers and accessories.
I prefer my LPL 7700 enlargers to the Beseler 23C enlargers. I also prefer my first generation Beseler 67C enlarger (slightly) to the Beseler 23C enlargers.
But If I was starting out, and I came upon a well equipped 23C II or III or perhaps even a 23C I that was in good shape, I would consider myself lucky.

In the 35mm world, what about the Leitz (Leica) enlargers? I've never laid hands on one, but one imagines they must be pretty darn good considering their provenance.

 

[Randy Stewart]

Durst built an outstanding enlarger. They also built premium enlargers for other companies to sell under their own names (Leitz anyone?) I've owned/own several with full satisfaction. However, I do not recommend a Durst as a starter enlarger because of their relative complexity and the many similar models. You really have to know what you are doing when Durst shopping. Also, there is the simple lack of parts and accessories, at least in the USA. The Omega B22 XL is an outstanding, super-simple enlarger for 35mm and 6x6cm formats, for which parts and accessories (such as they are) remain available. Likewise, the Beseler 23C in several generations, all much the same, are probably the most commonly available used enlarger in the US. It is more complicated to use and maintain that the B22,, and it is larger and heavier, but it also goes up to 6x9cm format if you ever plan to use that size. If you plan to enlarge color or use a dichroic head for variable contrast B&W printing, get a 23C, as the B22 pre-dates that technology. Parts and accessories are commonly available. Prices are all over the place, so shop for a while and get one cheap. Unless you have no choice, do not buy a cheapo like the Beselar Printmaker or 67 series, Vivitar, Bogen, or the other "tuina-can" 35mm and medium format enlargers which were tossed on the market in the declining days of film, when those makers were doing anything to survive. Even Durst made one. They are characterized by thin sheet metal construction, stamped out parts, and a lot of plastic where metal used to be used. As a strategy, I'd buy the B22 for starters, if cheap enough, say $100 or less. Try it and if you like enlarging, do some studying and buy upscale from there. There will always be a resale market for a B22. Tip: image quality is in the lens, not the enlarger. Most of these enlargers came with a cheaper, 4 element lens, which should be sold or tossed. Replace it with a good 6 element lens, such as for 35mm, an El_Nikor 50mm 2.8 (most common, so cheapest). If/when you get to this point, let me know if you like,, as I'd give you a 50mm El-Niklor 2.8 lens from my several spares, if I can figure a way to get it to you.

 

[MattKing]

In the 35mm world, what about the Leitz (Leica) enlargers? I've never laid hands on one, but one imagines they must be pretty darn good considering their provenance.

They can be really, really good. They can also be challenging - witness the various threads about accessing bulbs for some of the models.

 

[MattKing]

Durst built an outstanding enlarger. They also built premium enlargers for other companies to sell under their own names (Leitz anyone?) I've owned/own several with full satisfaction. However, I do not recommend a Durst as a starter enlarger because of their relative complexity and the many similar models. You really have to know what you are doing when Durst shopping. Also, there is the simple lack of parts and accessories, at least in the USA. The Omega B22 XL is an outstanding, super-simple enlarger for 35mm and 6x6cm formats, for which parts and accessories (such as they are) remain available. Likewise, the Beseler 23C in several generations, all much the same, are probably the most commonly available used enlarger in the US. It is more complicated to use and maintain that the B22,, and it is larger and heavier, but it also goes up to 6x9cm format if you ever plan to use that size. If you plan to enlarge color or use a dichroic head for variable contrast B&W printing, get a 23C, as the B22 pre-dates that technology. Parts and accessories are commonly available. Prices are all over the place, so shop for a while and get one cheap. Unless you have no choice, do not buy a cheapo like the Beselar Printmaker or 67 series, Vivitar, Bogen, or the other "tuina-can" 35mm and medium format enlargers which were tossed on the market in the declining days of film, when those makers were doing anything to survive. Even Durst made one. They are characterized by thin sheet metal construction, stamped out parts, and a lot of plastic where metal used to be used. As a strategy, I'd buy the B22 for starters, if cheap enough, say $100 or less. Try it and if you like enlarging, do some studying and buy upscale from there. There will always be a resale market for a B22. Tip: image quality is in the lens, not the enlarger. Most of these enlargers came with a cheaper, 4 element lens, which should be sold or tossed. Replace it with a good 6 element lens, such as for 35mm, an El_Nikor 50mm 2.8 (most common, so cheapest). If/when you get to this point, let me know if you like,, as I'd give you a 50mm El-Niklor 2.8 lens from my several spares, if I can figure a way to get it to you.

There are other confusing factors. Sometimes, enlarger models evolved over the years - not always for the better.
My 1970s vintage Beseler 67C is a significantly more robust enlarger than a current Beseler 67, and with the plethora of accessories I already own for it (which are compatible with the current models) it is a really good choice.
Also, some enlargers were distributed more in certain parts of the world. Durst amateur grade enlargers were, in their day, much more common in Canada than the USA, so they are more easily found up here.
On the first point, here is an older shot of my Beseler 67 with a dichroic light source, set up on its cart in my former bathroom darkroom. Note the relatively massive girder extended column and robust negative stage and other heavy duty features, not found in the current versions.

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

Yes the lens matters, but its pretty easy to find the better optics at reasonable prices. I prefer the N versions of the EL-Nikkors especially the 50mm f2.8, I've purchased APO other brands and had varying levels of quality and durability, the Nikkor's are much easier to maintain, disassemble and clean.
I like the Leitz Focomats, they are very well built and give very high quality results. Make sure that what ever you get has all the parts you want and need, condensers, negative holders, filter holders, everything! Finding just that certain thing has always been tough, especially for different enlargers in different areas of the world.
I think I've used or tried just about everything both Beseler and Omega made, through most common sizes. The mentioned 23c and B-22 are excellent, but don't overlook a great deal on a the next size up. Both the 45MXT and the Omega D2 can be lot of enlarger for about the same prices, and the larger size means more stability for doing larger prints. The also do 35mm very well, and both those have options on different heads that are fairly common to find. I like the 45MXT slightly more than the D2 series, I used one at the paper and made the mistake of touching the alignment thinking I could improve it. The task of getting it sharp is easier now with lasers but back then it took a couple of days to really get it correct. The 45MXT is essentially more aligned and doesn't require as much. Both could punch thru a stack of negs quickly and accurately.
As I've found out on my own current darkroom quest, the timers are the issue. The electronics seem to blow, with lots of used junk at astounding prices. I've found a relatively modern yet old CP timer, it seems to work well, but I've yet to print with it.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

The Besler printmaker is still available.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/91141-REG/Beseler_6759K_Printmaker_35_Condenser_Enlarger.html
If you print 35mm negatives it will be fine. If you might get a medium format camera some time...or if you intend to make large prints.... you may want a different enlarger. I think you can only print to 11x14 without turning the head and projecting on the floor/or drop bed.

Way too expensive! You shouldn't have to pay more for a decent 2nd hand enlarger. Some peoplestryggle to give them away. Include 'Durst' in your search.They madeecellentenlargersfor 35mm and larger formats.

 

[GregY]

Way too expensive! You shouldn't have to pay more for a decent 2nd hand enlarger. Some peoplestryggle to give them away. Include 'Durst' in your search.They madeecellentenlargersfor 35mm and larger formats.

My suggestion only pointed to the fact that parts would still be available.....not that the OP should buy a new one

 

[xkaes]

Hey, let's try to talk the OP into the biggest, heaviest enlarger ever made. Sure, it may not fit in the darkroom -- if there even is a darkroom -- but who cares about details like that?

Here's a list of small enlargers -- many of which handle 35mm just fine -- and won't break your wallet or your darkroom ceiling:

http://www.subclub.org/darkroom/enlarge.htm

 

[bwieder]

Durst built an outstanding enlarger. They also built premium enlargers for other companies to sell under their own names (Leitz anyone?) I've owned/own several with full satisfaction. However, I do not recommend a Durst as a starter enlarger because of their relative complexity and the many similar models. You really have to know what you are doing when Durst shopping. Also, there is the simple lack of parts and accessories, at least in the USA. The Omega B22 XL is an outstanding, super-simple enlarger for 35mm and 6x6cm formats, for which parts and accessories (such as they are) remain available. Likewise, the Beseler 23C in several generations, all much the same, are probably the most commonly available used enlarger in the US. It is more complicated to use and maintain that the B22,, and it is larger and heavier, but it also goes up to 6x9cm format if you ever plan to use that size. If you plan to enlarge color or use a dichroic head for variable contrast B&W printing, get a 23C, as the B22 pre-dates that technology. Parts and accessories are commonly available. Prices are all over the place, so shop for a while and get one cheap. Unless you have no choice, do not buy a cheapo like the Beselar Printmaker or 67 series, Vivitar, Bogen, or the other "tuina-can" 35mm and medium format enlargers which were tossed on the market in the declining days of film, when those makers were doing anything to survive. Even Durst made one. They are characterized by thin sheet metal construction, stamped out parts, and a lot of plastic where metal used to be used. As a strategy, I'd buy the B22 for starters, if cheap enough, say $100 or less. Try it and if you like enlarging, do some studying and buy upscale from there. There will always be a resale market for a B22. Tip: image quality is in the lens, not the enlarger. Most of these enlargers came with a cheaper, 4 element lens, which should be sold or tossed. Replace it with a good 6 element lens, such as for 35mm, an El_Nikor 50mm 2.8 (most common, so cheapest). If/when you get to this point, let me know if you like,, as I'd give you a 50mm El-Niklor 2.8 lens from my several spares, if I can figure a way to get it to you.

Thanks for all the information! And thanks for the offer, I might have to come back to that if/whenever that day comes.

 

[redbandit]

"Vivitar" ??
It is a workable enlarger, i'd suggest the Beseler 23C or Omega..... more widely available lensboards, negative carriers....parts if it breaks down. I'd call any local camera clubs, camera stores and start asking around if someone has an enlarger to sell. As mentioned shipping is the least preferable method of acquiring an enlarger.

yes most people selling them online make all the money with the "shipping" charges. It only cost ACTUAL freight rate of 53$ to ups a COMPLETE 23 cII from california to indiana. But MOST ebay-ers will charge you 2-300$ to ship the head alone from florida to indiana

 

[bwieder]

Hey, let's try to talk the OP into the biggest, heaviest enlarger ever made. Sure, it may not fit in the darkroom -- if there even is a darkroom -- but who cares about details like that?

Here's a list of small enlargers -- many of which handle 35mm just fine -- and won't break your wallet or your darkroom ceiling:

http://www.subclub.org/darkroom/enlarge.htm

I am currently working on a dedicated darkroom space in a portion of the garage. There will be one... eventually! So Smaller / lighter and can still do great work are ok with me.

Looking at that list, I think i'd rather go with a "normal" size enlarger. One to grow into if that ever happens.

 

[xkaes]

Thanks for the info.

Two things to consider:

With enlargers made for larger formats, the enlarger is taller to handle longer lenses. That may not be an issue for you since you will be in a garage (but dust might).

Second, what are the biggest size prints you plan on making? If you only make 8x10 or 11x14 prints, you can get away with a much smaller/shorter enlarger.

 

[Paul Howell]

If you have room and can wait until a model comes up in your area I recommend a 4X5, the foot print is not much larger than a MF enlarger, both the Omega and Bessler have all the options you might want in the future, are easy to keep in aliment, and last in case you lose your mind and decide to move up to 4X5 you are already 90% there. I've used both, the Bessler with the motor drive to raise and lower the head is nice, I have a Omega D3, bought it well used 30 years ago. With both you have choice of condenser, cold head or color head. If you want to spend the money a point source head. You can find glassless and glass negative carriers. The Omega had an available XL central colure allow for 16X20 without turning the enlarger to shoot to the floor.

 

[drfoxmd]

Oh and there was a piece of heat absorbing glass IIRC

Can't beat the 23C. Classic workhorse.

 

[redbandit]

Can't beat the 23C. Classic workhorse.

reliability and robustness of a King Tiger, and the production level of the Sherman.

 

[redbandit]

Hello everyone, short time lurker here. I got into film photography about a year ago and absolutely love it. Makes me wish I would’ve taken that class in high school… I develop my own B&W film. Now I want to try my hand at getting and using an enlarger for prints. I have a dedicated spot in the garage for a darkroom that I will be outfitting soon. I have looked and researched an Omega B22 enlarger. I think this will get me a good enlarger to start with at a reasonable price. What does everyone think about this enlarger? Would it be a good one to learn on? Are there others you would rather use? Do you know of any place to get them besides eBay?

Thanks in advance,

Looking forward to dive into this analog journey more

More expensive then Beseler 23c go for on ebay at the moment. Best deals seem to be in UK.

Rules to remember

1. Enlargers are like guns, always best to get one that can handle more game then you anticipate. If you only plan on 35mm/deer, its best to have something that can handle 120/black bear for you own good.

2. Consider the cost of accessories. A person can get a 23C negative carrier anywhere.. they are more common then bear poop in the woods. And most of the time are prices affordable. Until you go for ones with glass.

3. The extra nudge in cost in getting something that can handle a larger format is offset by NOT having to buy a second enlarger in say 4x5 format down the road.

 

[Rick A]

Waiting to go to a new home.

 

[Randy Stewart]

I bought my first Durst enlarger in 1976. In various degrees of repair, I think I own about five now. Here in the US, I would not recommend a Durst unless you can at the same time acquire all of the accessories you expect to require. Accessories for Durst models have always been iffy in the US, with ebay being the primary source for the last 20+ years. For most models, it would be very difficult to find Durst parts and accessories. Skip it. The Omega B-22 with the extended column is a superb first enlarger for 35mm, 645 and 6x6 formats. The Beseler 23C in its various versions is excellent, but it is big, heavy and is more likely to require periodic service for its more complicated design. The big difference between the B-22 and 23C is that you can get dichroic color head light sources for the 23C (to do color and variable contrast B&W). The B-22 is limited to a filter drawer in the head, no where near as convenient.

 

[GRHazelton]

Here's a source for parts for the major makers of enlargers: http://store.khbphotografix.com Note that as a Canadian company the exchange rate may be advantageous for US buyers, but shipping may erase that advantage. KBH also carries lenses and timers, new and used.
Someone mentioned electronic enlarger timers and their rate of failure. The old standby GraLab timers are out there, and they are reliable, easy to evaluate (if from an overseas source be aware of differing AC frequencies, e.g., UK is 50 cycles), and generally cheap. The old GraLab timers are essentially electric clocks with the ability to control an enlarger. A foot switch is a nice accessory.
A grain focuser device is excellent for getting the best possible sharpness, they can be found used for cheaply - no need for digital!
Lenses. Don't skrimp here, especially for 35mm. I scored a new old stock Schneider Componon S 50mm f2.8 for under $100. When available new this lens retails for $400 to $500. Rodenstock and Nikkor also make excellent enlarging lenses.

 

[GRHazelton]

Indianapolis is the home of Roberts Camera, which has a used gear branch next door I've bought used gear from Roberts, they are good folks. The OP might drop by Roberts or one of the other dealers - not BestBuy or WalMart - and see what's available. Even if a dealer has no used enlargers on hand, they might steer you towards possible sellers in your area.
If you were in the Atlanta GA area I'd recommend Wings, good used gear and in business for over 100 years. I bouht my Beselser 23c from them a few years ago.

 

[bwieder]

Hey Everyone,

Sorry for the delay min replying. The Christmas / New Years season was busier than expected this year, heath issues coming out of nowhere didn't help much. I actually found and got a Omega B-22 XL local for dirt dirt cheap. Then I found a Leitz Focomat Ic local for cheap (needed a rewire.. But that was easy to do). Both work beautifully now.

Cant wait to try my hand at printing with them.

Thanks everyone for the help!

 

[albada]

Welcome back, and it's good to hear that you got *two* good ones.

 

[bwieder]

Thanks,

I'm itching to make that first print (even though it might be terrible).. It'll still be fun to see the "magic"

 

[choiliefan]

Congratulations, you got two of the best!
What kind of lenses you get with them?